Book Reviews
Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman
Anyone who’s ever worked in retail will find a lot of familiar territory in Help Wanted. The story follows members of the ‘Movement’ team at a superstore in upstate New York. The work is tough, the pay is low, and they struggle to make ends meet. When store manager Big Will announces he’s leaving, there’s hope for change among the team members. Waldman takes us into the minds and lives of each character, creating a funny and empathetic narrative.
Before The Queen Falls Asleep by Huzama Habayeb
Before The Queen Falls Asleep tells the story of Jihad, a Palestinian woman living in Kuwait, displaced from her homeland. Through stories shared with her daughter, the novel highlights the sacrifices and struggles of displaced families, portraying the fight for a better life and the power of love.
Medea by Rosie Hewlett
Medea offers a retelling of Greek mythology, focusing on the sorceress Medea and her journey from outcast to a powerful figure. The novel explores themes of victimhood and villainy, providing a humanizing perspective on this notorious character.
Non-fiction
Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath
Why We Remember delves into how memories are formed and their impact on our lives. The author simplifies complex concepts related to memory formation, offering insights into the workings of the brain and how we can enhance our memory recall abilities.
Children’s Book of the Week
Animal All-Stars by Clare Balding
Animal All-Stars is an entertaining and educational exploration of animals and sports. The book follows eight sporting events played by animals and insects, presented in a humorous narrative. With engaging writing and plentiful illustrations, it’s a recommended read for children and adults alike.
Book Charts for the Week Ending March 23rd
Hardback (Fiction)
- Medea by Rosie Hewlett
- Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis
- The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas
- Until August by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
- The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson
- Dune by Frank Herbert
- The List Of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
- The Warm Hands Of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Hardback (Non-fiction)
- Easy Wins by Anna Jones
- The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson
- A Very Private School by Charles Spencer
- The Goddess Path by Kirsty Gallagher
- Bored Of Lunch Healthy Slow Cooker: Even Easier by Nathan Anthony
- Crypt by Alice Roberts
- Who’s Afraid Of Gender? by Judith Butler
- Blossomise by Simon Armitage
- The Radfords by Sue Radford & Noel Radford
- Vulture Capitalism by Grace Blakeley
Audiobooks (Fiction and Non-fiction)
- Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Prima Facie by Suzie Miller
- None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
- The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson
- Unruly by David Mitchell
- The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
- The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu & Ken Liu
- Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith
- Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken
